Your ski bindings connect your ski boots to your skis. Gear manufacturers sell them separately or sell them as part of an integrated ski system. A brake assembly, an anti friction device, a toe piece and a heel piece comprise a ski binding. Malfunctioning of any of these parts will alter ski technique and possibly cause injuries. While the bindings themselves may cause problems, many issues result from human error.
DIN Setting Problems
The DIN system, which stands for Deutsche Industrie Normen, determines your binding's release setting, and is calculates according to your height, weight and level of proficiency. DIN setting adjustments compress or decompress a spring in the binding. The amount of compression determine the amount of force required for the bindings to release. Higher settings, used by advanced skiers, require greater release forces. Novices, who have not yet learned proper falling mechanisms, use a lower setting. Your ski bindings do not cause DIN-related problems. When the ski tech sets your DIN, he assumes that you are being honest about your abilities. Using a higher than appropriate setting will prevent your ski from releasing under force. Those unskilled at falling may land in a twisted position, thereby damaging the knee ligaments.
Stepping In
Your boots must be completely clear of snow and ice before stepping into your bindings. This is easier said than done if you ski in areas where the snow constantly melts and re-freezes. The lack of a snapping sound when you insert your boot into your binding may indicate that ice accumulation is preventing your from securely attaching your boot. A partially attached binding may pre-release without warning. Carry an ice scraper, or use your ski pole to ensure total ice removal. Some skiers spray their boot soles with PAM cooking spray or silicone spray to prevent ice accumulation.
Dirt Accumulation
Placing your skis on the car's rooftop exposes the bindings to dirt, grime and salt, which may cause them to malfunction. A ride on the resort's local shuttle bus may have a more dramatic effect. While these buses have an outside ski rack, you might notice that the ski town locals rarely use these racks, which place the bindings dangerously close to the dirt kicked up on the road. Use a binding cover, or keep your skis in the car or bus.
Forward Pressure Mechanisms
Dr. Carl Ettlinger, who authored the "Vermont Ski Safety Study," advises that a sluggish forward pressure mechanism in the heel piece may cause your bindings to pre-release. Ski shop technicians solve this problem by cleaning, lubricating and adjusting the heel piece.
Boot/Binding Incompatibility
Dr. Mike Langran of the Ski-Injury.com website warns that boot/binding incompatibility may cause binding problems. Langram lists two incompatibilities. the first applies to your boot sole condition. Constant walking on concrete may wear down your boot soles. Ski shops sell protective walking devices for your boots. Boot size and shape also matter. New ski boots, even those of the same size as your old ones, require a binding re-adjustment.
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